Friday News , July 20th

Farmers Discuss Drought Conditions

(Le Mars) -- More than 300 concerned farmers attended a drought meeting on Thursday hosted by the Plymouth County Extension Services. Each, with probably the same question on their minds, "What options do I have with my crop as a result of this ongoing drought?" Many farmers are wondering if chopping the corn for silage would be economical, feasible and safe. Both Joel DeJong, Extension Crops Specialist, and Beth Doran, Extension Livestock and Forage Specialist, suggested to the farmers they need to test their corn for nitrates before chopping it for silage. De Jong also stressed to wait before cutting the corn to make certain the moisture percentage is at the right level. DeJong says a common mistake made by farmers during drought conditions is believing the corn is drier than the actual moisture level.

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He told the group that cut silage should be between 65 and 70 percent moisture if the silage is stored in either a bunker or an ag bag. Silage stored in an upright silo should be of at least 60 to 65 percent moisture. Both Doran and DeJong warned farmers of how silage seepage can be a danger to fish in local ponds. Doran also cautioned farmers if they have a farm pond to check it for algae. She says if cattle drink from the pond with algae, it could prove to be deadly. Doran also informed the group how the heat can be stressful to both feedlot cattle, as well as with cow-calf herds.

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She was also asked by a cattle producer how long should a farmer wait before feeding green cut silage to cattle Her reply was, "three weeks." Agricutlural economist, Dr. William Edwards appeared via a web cam from Ames. He told farmers they need to visit with their crop insurance agent, and they should do so in the near future. Edwards offered a series of scenerios as to how much revenue return farmers could expect based on their yield loss and the averge price per bushel.

Le Mars Woman Buys 2 Millionth Ticket at Tyson Event Center

(Sioux City) -- A Le Mars woman was the two millionth person to purchase an event ticket at the Tyson's Event Center in Sioux City. Cheryl Wiltgen bought a ticket to see the Sioux City Bandits play in the league championship game on Saturday, July 14th. Now, the Tyson Event Center wishes to celebrate by offering a $20 concessions voucher to anyone that purchases a ticket to an upcoming event. However, in order to obtain a concession voucher, tickets must be purchased today (Friday) between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. There is no minimum purchase amount required. Some of the upcoming events at the Tyson Event Center include the WWE Smackdown, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Carnival of Madness. The Tyson Events Center has been able to sell out on many of its recent venues.

Iowa State Patrol Ready for RAGBRAI

(Le Mars) -- Ragbrai bike ride is set for this weekend and will cross through Sioux, O'Brien, and Cherokee counties, and the Iowa State Patrol wants to remind motorists that if possible to stay clear of the designated route, and to use extra caution when traveling. Trooper Vince Kurtz tallks about the Ragbrai route.

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Although the ride officially begins on Sunday, Kurtz says motorists should be aware Friday and Saturday of bikes heading to Sioux Center. He says during the ride, the Iowa Highway Patrol along with local and county law enforcement officials will monitor major intersections.

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Kurtz says the objective will be to see if everyone is alert to the surroundings, and to make certain both bicyclers and motorists are obeying traffic laws.

Sioux City Woman Robs Bank Then Turns Herself In to Authorities

(Sioux City) -- A woman who robbed a bank at Sioux Falls turned herself in at the Sioux City Police Station. On Tuesday, the First Premier Bank was robbed by a woman, claiming she had a bomb. The woman fled with $14,000. An intelligence bulletin was distributed that included the suspects photo from the bank. Detectives from the Sioux City Police Department immediately recognized the suspect and began working to locate her. The woman was identified as 39 year old Michelle Bock of Sioux City. Bock claims she was kidnapped by two men, strapped a bomb to her chest, and forced her to rob the bank. She told police that the men took the money, but she deposited $3,000 into her personal bank account three hours after the robbery. Bock was arrested on an FBI warrant and transported back to Sioux Falls.

Parents of Missing Cousins Refuses to Talk to Authorities

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Authorities investigating the disappearance of two Iowa cousins missing for nearly a week say it is a distraction that one set of parents have consulted an attorney and may not be cooperating 100 percent.

Family members say Misty and Dan Morrissey, parents of 10-year-old Lyric Cook-Morrissey, have talked to an attorney who is advising they stop talking and taking polygraph tests.

He says investigators have been aware of the Morrisseys' criminal record since Friday when Lyric and her cousin, 8-year old Elizabeth Collins, didn't return from riding bicycles in Evansdale in northeast Iowa.

Both Morriseys have spent time in prison on drug charges. Abben says background checks were done on all family members and they have taken polygraphs.

Midwest Economy Slowing Down

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A new survey of bankers suggests the economy is slowing down in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Western states as drought conditions bake the region.

The overall economic index dropped into negative territory at 47.9 in June from May's 56.7. Any score below 50 on the index, which ranges from 1 to 100, suggests contraction in the months ahead.

The survey covers parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. It focuses on communities with 1,300 residents, on average.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss in Omaha says the drought is hard on farmers, livestock producers and ethanol plants in the region.

The confidence index collapsed to 40.9 in June from May's strong 58.5. That suggests bankers aren't confident in the economy over the next six months.